Should Gulfport Build a New Police Station?

One of Gulfport's newest councilors has suggested borrowing money and building a new police station on 49th Street.

At his first workshop, Ward Four Representative Michael Fridovich asked council to consider borrowing up to $5 million for various projects, including building a new station.

Gulfport Police Chief Robert Vincent says it's not a new idea. In fact, he first brought forward the idea of building a new police station on 49th Street during the budget planning in 2009-10, according to his latest blog.

In the Chief's latest blog, he shares why the department doesn't need a new police station:

"We operate in a building that is less than 20 years old and is completely functional for our work and our mission. Sure, it’s got some problems."

Vincent adds: "The women’s locker room is too small; we have no exercise facility; we are using holding cells to store sensitive equipment; and our video/audio surveillance systems are inadequate. But the truth is that all of these things could be brought up to standard in the existing space for far less than it would cost to build a new building."

Vincent also writes about the benefits of having a facility on 49th Street.

"The current police headquarters is located in a flood zone that requires mandatory evacuation in the event of a major hurricane," he writes.

Chief Vincent adds that he is aware of people's concerns and perception of crime on 49th Street and writes that a new building would provide community benefits.

View Chief Robert Vincent's entire blog: "A New Police Station?"

Sign up for the Gulfport Patch email newsletter to stay connected to your community.